Note: This is a seattlepi.com reader blog. It is not written or edited by the P-I. The authors are solely responsible for content. E-mail us at newmedia@seattlepi.com if you consider a post inappropriate.

I love Brave Horse Tavern and I won’t apologize for it. In my opinion Tom Douglas and his crew knocked the ball out of the park when they opened this top-shelf beer joint a year ago in Seattle’s burgeoning South Lake Union neighborhood. Douglas is a culinary megastar and having his league of restaurants include an establishment so focused on good beer is inspiring. Not yet familiar with Brave Horse Tavern (or the best pretzels this side of Stuttgart)? See our previous stories about Brave Horse Tavern.

To celebrate its first anniversary, Brave Horse Tavern has two events planned: a big party this Friday, April 6th and an enticing beer dinner on Wednesday, April 18th.

Birthday Party

Its time to kick out the jams. Join the Brave Horse Tavern all day Friday (April 6) as they celebrate their first birthday with a raucous bash. Expect the crowd to be large and lively. Over the course of its first year, the tavern has collaborated with a number of local breweries to produce special Brave Horse beers, so it is not surprising they have some special treats in store for you, brewed exclusively to commemorate the anniversary.

The Alpine Brave Bock, by Alpine Brewing Company: An authentic Bavarian Dunkelweizen. It has all the fruity flavors of a Hefeweizen, though subtler and not quite as sweet. Also some chocolaty roasted flavors imparted by the darker malt. Dark in color, the Brave Bock goes down easy despite its relatively high alcohol content.

HopSession, by Pike Brewing Company: HopSession is a deep golden color, light in body. Bitterness is on the low side. Hope flavor, and aroma will be more prevalent. Hop flavors are slightly herbal, and fruity (orange-like): more citrus-like because it is dry hopped twice. Herbal flavors come from Hallertau hops. Citrus flavor comes from Motueka and Bravo hops, which are used for the second round of dry hopping in the bright tank.

Brave Horse Ale, by Schooner Exact: This was the inaugural Brave Horse beer, brewed for the launch a year ago. The Anniversary Brave Horse Ale is a beefed-up version of the original. More hops and more alcohol.

A Year of Beer Dinner

Brave Horse Tavern is hosting a Year of Beer Dinner on Wednesday, April 18th. The beer will be provided by four of the local breweries with which the Brave Horse teamed up during its first year: Schooner Exact Brewing Company, Pike Brewing Co, Hilliard’s Beer, and Elliott Bay Brewing. Brewery representative will be there to talk about the beer. The four-course beer dinner will sum-up the first year in food and beer. The menu and details are below. For reservations/tickets, click here. This event is sure to sell out quickly.

Date: Wednesday April 18h 2012

Location: Brave Horse Tavern

Time: 6:30pm

Cost: $50.00 plus tax and gratuity

Menu

1st Course

Seared Willapa Bay Scallops,

Ginger, Apricot, Beer Foam

with Elliott Bay Brewing Puget Sound Lager (German-style Red Lager).

2nd Course

House Cured Ham Salad,

Tarragon, Chervil, Sourdough Croutons, Warm Mustard Vinaigrette

with Hilliard’s Beer Saison

3rd Course

Warm Rabbit Terrine, Carrot Broth, Pickled Green Garlic, Asparagus

with Pike Brewing Hop Session *A special release beer exclusively served at the Brave Horse and debuting this month

Note: This is a seattlepi.com reader blog. It is not written or edited by the P-I. The authors are solely responsible for content. E-mail us at newmedia@seattlepi.com if you consider a post inappropriate.